If the problem of young people riding e-bikes recklessly downtown persists, police may start ticketing their parents, according to Chief John DiFederico.
Asked about the proliferation and misuse of the motorized vehicles in New Canaan, specifically in the downtown area, DiFederico pointed to a state statute regarding the operation of e-bikes and electric foot scooters. It allows towns to create their own ordinances regarding the vehicles, including “penalties” for violations, as well as provisions requiring annual licensing.
“The statute for bikes and bike rules in general— not just e-bikes—allows for a parent or guardian to be held accountable for their children who are operating a bike illegally: riding on sidewalks, going the wrong way, not obeying traffic laws,” DiFederico told NewCanaanite.com. “So we are exploring that. We certainly do not want to go that route. We would prefer voluntary compliance. But if situations continue or if their child is a repeat offender it may come to where we need to cite the parent and hold them responsible.”
In Connecticut, e-bike motors are not supposed to exceed 750W. There are three classes of e-bikes here—Class 1 is pedal-assist-only up to 20 mph, Class 2 is also up to 20 mph but doesn’t require the rider to pedal, and Class 3 provides power up to 28 mph. Though there’s no license or registration required for e-bikes, those younger than 16 are not allowed to ride Class 3. They’re prohibited on sidewalks and riders are required to wear a helmet.
Yet in New Canaan, police receive complaints not only about e-bike riders on sidewalks but also some wearing improper helmets, loose helmets or no helmets.
DiFederico underscored that his hope is for parents to mind their kids.
“We would prefer that parents parent their children accordingly and make sure that they are not riding irresponsibly downtown,” he said. “And that is the main focus, is downtown. People are walking or driving and it’s dangerous when kids are riding the wrong way.”
If police go the route of ticketing, parents would be issued an infraction summons, DiFederico said.
Though the problem of e-bikes seems relatively new, “kids have been congregating downtown on and off again for decades,” the chief said.
“I remember when I was a rookie, kids were leaving all their backpacks in front of Mackenzie’s, so these things come and go and they’re somewhat cyclical,” he said.
Here’s a recent podcast with NCPD Officer Nicole Vartuli regarding e-bikes in New Canaan.
Only a matter of time before there is a serious accident involving an e-bike or electric scooter. Absence of headgear will only make the outcome worse.